Denel is attending a major global defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi this week to explore new growth opportunities for business in the Middle East and North African countries.

Denel’s innovative products and systems will form the centrepiece of the South African pavilion at the International Defence Exhibition – IDEX 2019 – hosted in the United Arab Emirates from 17 to 21 February.

“Our intention is to showcase the quality and the versatility of Denel’s products, especially in the fields of turret systems for combat vehicles, integrated weapon stations and missile technology,” says Danie du Toit the Group CEO of Denel.

“This is an opportunity to reposition Denel as an innovative defence and technology company and a trusted partner of clients who want to acquire our proven products,” says du Toit. “The region is familiar with Denel’s range of products and we want to build on this reputation by highlighting our capabilities.”

IDEX 2019 is the largest defence and technology exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa and is expected to attract more than 1 200 exhibitors and some 110 000 visitors. The South African pavilion will exhibit the technology and products of local manufacturers including several within the Denel group.

Du Toit says IDEX 2019 is an important opportunity to meet with defence decision-makers, industry leaders and analysts and to raise awareness about the range of Denel’s products and capabilities. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar are considering major defence acquisitions in the near future.

Denel Vehicle Systems has a long-standing with the International Golden Group (IGG) to supply RG31 mine-resistant vehicles for the UAE armed forces. IGG’s Agrab is a Mobile Mortar System makes use of the RG31 as a vehicle platform which is highly-regarded for its 4x4 capabilities, mobility and the protection it offers against anti-tank mines and explosive devices.

The next-generation RG41 will also be on display in IGG’s Pavilion at IDEX 2019; as well as the recently launched RCG30 remotely operated turret. The turret is fully-stabilised for firing on the move and can be reloaded and serviced by the crew from inside the armoured vehicle. It is armed with a GI-30 cam-operated cannon developed by Denel Land Systems and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun.

Another innovative product in Denel’s turret range is the SDROW – Self Defence Remotely Operated Weapon – that can be fitted with a wide range of machine guns, grenade launchers and anti-tank missiles. Denel Vehicle Systems has added additional firepower to the SDROW with the integration of the iNkunzi Strike weapon into the system.

The iNkunzi is manufactured by Denel PMP, Africa’s leading manufacturer of small- and medium-calibre ammunition and its range of products will also be on display in Abu Dhabi.

Denel Dynamics will exhibit its products at the Rheinmetall Air Defence stand. The focus will be on the Cheetah surface-to-air missile which offers defence forces comprehensive counter rocket, artillery and mortar capabilities.